MANILA, Philippines — Foster + Partners is known as the architectural firm behind many iconic structures around the world. This group led by renowned British architect Norman Foster, well-known for his sustainable, modern, and innovative designs, has engraved its mark in major cities, such as London with the Gherkin, New York with the Hearst Tower, and Hong Kong with the busiest airport in the world, the Hong Kong International Airport.
The said airport is considered one of the most ambitious construction projects of modern times. Characterized by a lightweight roof canopy, naturally lit spaces, and seamless weather-resilient design, this hectic airport forms a spectacular gateway to Hong Kong, in a location that can be unforgiving at times.

​Foster + Partners was tapped by STRC, a joint venture between Federal Land, Inc. and SMDC, to design its first residential development in the Philippines – The Estate Makati. The collaboration with Foster + Partners to create this iconic luxury residential project is quite fitting, given that The Estate Makati will occupy the last parcel of prime real estate in the famed Apartment Ridge of Ayala Avenue.
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Infusing the same approach with their previous works, and keeping in mind the discerning lifestyle of its future affluent homeowners, Foster + Partners designed The Estate Makati in a cruciform shape, thus allowing utmost privacy and exclusivity. The living spaces are arranged radially, which ensures every apartment is a true corner unit with panoramic 180-degree views of the city.

Thoughtfully designed amenities, such as the sky garden, pool, and fitness center, are made available for residents to enjoy. A parking facility is readily equipped to address electric vehicle charging needs.
With Foster + Partners’ fusion of technological firsts and cutting-edge concepts in its overall architecture and features, it is without a doubt The Estate Makati will become an icon in fine condo living.

Published By: The Philippine Star | September 17, 2019

​Even before it opened back in 2006, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) has prided itself as one of the biggest malls that would stand in the world’s most populous continent. And although it is no longer SM Investments Corp.’s largest shopping mall in the country, MOA continues to expand its reach by banking on the seemingly endless possibilities that this vast space has to offer.
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MOA is no longer just one of Asia’s biggest typical shopping malls. MOA Complex, with the famous steel globe—now called the “Globamaze”—at its front, has within its boundaries global brands, world-class office spaces and premium residential choices that make it a worthy stop.

​Global brands
Shoppers looking for that retail therapy fix of luxurious global brands have a variety of choices in SM MOA: sneakerheads have Nike and Skechers, surfers have Quiksilver, titos and titas of Manila have Lacoste and Rolex. You can even shop for a new set of formal attire at Perry Ellis with shoes to match at Pedro. SM MOA is truly a hub of completely extravagant finds.

​World-class office space
The MOA Complex is surrounded by a number of high-rise buildings housing premium grade office spaces. Prism Plaza is among the most appreciated of which, as it is also home to restaurants and view spaces that serve as a welcome relief from the hustle of office work. Visitors particularly hold in high regard the perfect view of the sunset from this space at the fourth level of Two E-com Center.

​Sunset view at Manila Bay
The long and winding walkway along this famous seaside area is always filled with people from all walks, practically at any given time of the day. If all the shopping and amusement ever wear you out, MOA Complex is situated right at the perfect spot for a breathtaking scenery: simply stand by the pathways or sit outside the restaurants while having a hearty meal as the sun sets and paints the skies above Manila Bay mixed shades of orange.

​International performances
One might believe that the MOA Arena was not nicknamed “the eye” for no reason.
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This indoor events area was a witness not only to various local performances, but international acts as well. Queen of Pop Madonna staged her two-night Rebel Heart Tour here in 2016—with ticket prices considered as the most expensive in the country in history—while “Mother Monster” Lady Gaga held one of the first concerts in the arena in 2012 during her Born This Way Ball Tour.

K-pop kings EXO were also the first Korean group to have a sold-out, two-day concert in this 15,000-seat arena. Since then, MOA Arena was known to hold full house K-pop concerts.

Audiences looking for added thrill of fireworks after an energetic show are also in for a treat at the MOA concert grounds. The English-Irish boy band One Direction ended both sold-out nights of their Manila leg of the On the Road Again Tour in 2015 with lit up skies as fans murmured remnants of the last iconic song performed.

​Premium residential choices
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Following the completion of its several residential projects near and within the MOA Complex, SM Development Corp. recently unveiled Sail Residences, an additional upscale condominium development within its borders. 
Families and travelers looking for a new home and wanting to experience the wonders of this seaside marvel are welcome to find comfort in this efficiently placed residential area.
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Sail Residences’ world-class amenities include swimming pools, lush gardens and a children’s play area.

​There’s so much buzz about Bay City recently and it seems that everyone wants a piece of it, given that there’s still a lot of land that can be developed there.

Beyond the usual business districts, the demand for residential, office and commercial spaces are now trickling to Bay City, making it one of the most sought after sites for new developments. And you can readily see that with the brisk construction activities happening in that area.

​So what makes it an ideal location for you? One, it’s highly accessible given that many major thoroughfares have made it easier for you to travel in and out of the Bay Area and go to other major business districts if you need to, while it’s proximity to the airport is also a plus.
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It also proved its viability given the impressive success of the Entertainment City and the SM Mall of Asia complex—both regarded as world-class destinations. As more commercial spaces continue to rise, multinational companies are moving in early to establish their base in the country’s next CBD.

​And it’s not just the offices and the commercial areas where we’ve seen a strong demand because the draw of Bay City has also sparked a surge in residential developments. As it is, the area has overtaken Ortigas Center in terms of condominium stock, and is expected to overtake Makati by 2021. And despite the high rate of condo delivery, the demand continues to rise, along with land values. This is good news: prices are expected to appreciate further and so investing in a piece of land or property in Bay City this early is recommended, especially for those who are planning to call Bay City their new home.
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Among the most coveted spaces is the SMDC Sail Residences. The project is SMDC’s most luxurious to date, with plush amenities setting a lifestyle standard for the country’s most exciting business hub. The high-rise condominium provides access to the country’s premier retail, dining and entertainment experience, all with the prestige of Bay City’s most exclusive address.

These and other premier developments are set to take place in just a few years. Bay City is an economic force to be reckoned with—a lucrative investment in the Philippines’ most promising CBD.